About COVID
Want to know the basics of coronavirus? Below is important information about what the virus is, how it spreads, what symptoms it looks like and how you can protect yourself and others.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory ailments and recover without the need for special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer, are more likely to develop serious illnesses.
The best way to prevent and delay transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using alcohol-based regularly and not touching your face.
The COVID-19 virus is spread mainly by saliva droplets or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it is important that you also practice breathing etiquette (for example by coughing in a curved elbow).
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus. Human coronaviruses spread just like flu or colds:
- Through the air through coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as shaking hands or shaking
- Touch an object or surface with the virus on it
- Sometimes fecal contamination becomes
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Cold Fever
- Repeat shaking with chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Keelseer
- New loss of taste or smell
The symptoms may occur within two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses range from people with few to no symptoms to people who are seriously ill and dying.
Most people who have mild symptoms can recover at home without medical care. If you want to test for a diagnosis, contact your healthcare provider or book an appointment at a publicly accessible test site.
If you do not want to test, it is still important to stay at home, isolate and avoid contact with others, rest and drink fluids. Call your healthcare provider if you feel worse.
For severe symptoms (including fever above 100 °), call your doctor. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call your nearest hospital or emergency room to make an appointment.
Call 911 if this is an emergency.
Emergency warning signs may include:
- Problems with breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
- Wear a mask – inside and outside – when you leave home or have people who do not live with you.
- Keep your distance from those you do not live with and avoid crowds.
- Download the COVID Alert PA mobile app to be alerted when you were near someone who tested positive, and to alert others if you tested positive.
- Cover cough or sneeze with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant if soap and water are not available.
- Clean high-contact surfaces regularly, including worksheets, light switches, cell phones, remote controls, and other frequently touched objects.
- if you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild – then stay home until you feel better.